Accents is published weekly during the fall and spring semesters with the exception of semester breaks and holiday weeks.The deadline for submission is no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.Visit Accents archives for other past issues.

Lipira, Cade Named to Interim Positions

Two department heads at Missouri Southern State University will step into new roles on an interim basis through June 30, 2013, according to an announcement by AJ Anglin, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Pat Lipira, head of the Kinesiology Department, will serve as Interim Dean of the School of Education at MSSU. Al Cade, head of the Teacher Education Department, will occupy the position of Interim Associate Dean of the School of Education.

The two will continue their duties as department heads while serving in the interim positions.

Lipira, a professor of Kinesiology, has taught at Missouri Southern for over two decades. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University, her master’s degree from Kansas State University and her doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas. She has served as head of the Kinesiology Department since 2000.

Cade received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Northwest Missouri State University. He obtained his doctorate in education from St. Louis University. He holds the rank of professor and has served as department head of the Teacher Education Department since 2005.

Chiller Delivery to Affect Parking, Lantern Drive

Lantern Drive behind Spiva Library, Reynolds Hall and the Billingsly Student Center will be closed at least part of the day today when large chiller plant modular units are delivered from Springfield.

Bob Harrington, Physical Plant Director and Risk Manager, says campus police will control traffic on Lantern Drive and entrances to it from parking lots behind Young Gymnasium while tractor trailers make the delivery.

When the trailers are not on the road, the roadway will be open to traffic, according to Harrington.

Harrington says the only parking areas blocked off will be the first four spaces on Lot 6 (on the east side of Hearnes Hall) and parking spaces in Lot 7 (on the south side of Spiva Library).

Handicap parking spaces at the back entrance of Reynolds Hall will not be available today. Those needing the spaces may park on University Parkway and Campus Police will not ticket vehicles today.

Those needing clarification or having questions may call Harrington at 625.3191 or email harrington-r@mssu.edu.

FAFSA Frenzy Event this Sunday

Next school year, the U.S. Department of Education will make more than $150 billion in postsecondary financial aid available to students throughout the nation.

College Goal Sunday (CGS) makes applying for financial aid easier by providing students with free help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in applying for federal financial aid and many state programs.

• The local FAFSA Frenzy event will be held from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12 in Room 149 of the Mills Anderson Public Safety Center.

Families will be able to complete the 2012-13 FAFSA on-site and obtain valuable information in the event at MSSU.

To assist students and parents with the FAFSA process, financial aid professionals will be on hand at 36 FAFSA Frenzy events on Feb. 12.

Diversity Lunch & Learn - Spring 2012

"Making Inclusion a Priority at MSSU" is the theme of the Diversity Lunch & Learn sessions for the spring 2012 semester.

The first session will be "Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts!" presented by Nancy Kenney today at noon on Friday, Feb. 10 in Room 309 of the Billingsly Student Center.

Future sessions include Peggy Bennett's presentation of "Getting Along: Reframing and Reconciling Differences with Colleagues" on Friday, March 9 and Kim Kester, IEP, with "Two Worlds Collide: Saudi Arabian Students in the American Classroom" on Friday, April 13.

A free buffet style lunch will be served.

Remember to RSVP at least one week in advance to Teara Neidert, First-Year Experience, at ext. 9731 or email neidert-t@mssu.edu.

A Technology Engineering Aptitude (TEA) Mother-Daughter event is scheduled for 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday, March 3 on the third floor of the Billingsly Student Center at Missouri Southern State University. The event is designed for girls in the 8th & 9th grades and their mothers.

The registration fee for the event is $5, which includes lunch. The deadline to register is Friday, Feb 17.

* Include the name of the mother and daughter, daughter's grade in school or equivalent grade in homeschool and family's telephone number.* Mail registration information and check to: Marsi Archer, Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd, Joplin, MO 64801.* Make check out to: 120660 Mother Daughter TEA, MSSU.

Those with questions and those wanting late registration should contact 625.9766.

Retirement Sessions Planned

If you missed sessions on retirement earlier this week, all is not lost.

The Informational sessions will take place again on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The location will be BSC room 243 (often referred to as the “fish bowl” as the walls are glass). It is located across the hall from the Health Center.

The facilitator will be Bryan Montemurro. He is a financial advisor with the VALIC firm; however, this general session will not a focus upon VALIC products or services.

"No registration is required for these sessions," Debbie Dutch Kelley, Human Resources, says. "However, we do recommend that you arrive ahead of the start time to get a good seat."

Outstanding Graduate Award Nominations

Established in 1972, The Outstanding Graduate Award at Missouri Southern is an award given out to a Graduating Senior by the Alumni Association for their outstanding achievements they have achieved in the classroom, and have made significant contributions to benefit their University and/or community. Awarded each spring at the Honors Convocation, it recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of MSSU's finest student.

Candidates are nominated for the Outstanding Graduate award by faculty, staff and Administration of MSSU. Information is gathered from many different sources.

The Alumni Awards Committee, comprised of Alumni Board members and Faculty, will meet to review all nominations, and recommend recipients(s) to the MSSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The nominee must have shown high standard of character and be well respected by peers and faculty, provided service to the college and evidence of leadership on campus and in the community, participated in a variety of campus activities and maintained an above average grade point standing.

Applications received at the Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center prior to Feb. 29 will be considered for the award. Please fill out the nomination form for your contribution to recognize a deserving alumnus/alumna.

Valentine's Concert February 14

Join Southern Symphony Orchestra for a lovely evening on Valentine’s Day. The orchestra, under direction of Kexi Liu, Music, will perform Sweet Sounds and Sweethearts, a love-themed concert at Taylor Performing Arts Center on MSSU campus at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14. The admission is free.

Two outstanding singers, Susan Smith, Music, and Lawrence Stotsbery, will be the featured soloists in the concert. They will sing duets from Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni and Sullivan’s comic opera The Mikado. In addition to the vocal selections, the orchestra will also perform an overture from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Kreisler’s Love’s Joy, Elgar’s Salut d’Amour, Theme from He’s Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto. At the end of the program, the orchestra will perform Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz. Audience members are invited to dance to the waltz.

Susan K. Smith is Professor of Voice and Director of Vocal Studies at Missouri Southern State University. She teaches applied voice, music theory, vocal pedagogy, vocal diction and literature, and musical theatre performance. Dr. Smith produces and directs the annual event known as ONSTAGE, a production designed to showcase MSSU singers’ talents in opera and musical theatre.

She enjoys performing solo song recitals, opera, and musical theatre. In addition to her work as a director/actor in professional theatre, regionally she has sung for various functions and events of the Heartland Opera, the MSSU Foundation, the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, the Pianoforte Society, the Music Devotees Club, the Southwest Missouri Arts Council, and Music in Our Schools Month. Many of her former students are performing professionally throughout the United States, several are area public school music teachers, and others are graduate students pursuing degrees in opera and voice performance. Read more.

Polar Bear Plunge

The Polar Bear Plunge is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Zan’s Campground in Shoal Creek/Joplin area.

This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics athletes by walking, running or crawling into the frigid winter waters. If you're too chicken to make the splash yourself, please be a fan by making a pledge. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics year round sports program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Registration is at noon and the Plunge is at 2 p.m.

Organizers want groups to participate in this event to help the Special Olympics.

Anyone with questions may contact Bob Goltra, Graduate Studies/Lifelong Learning, at 625.3512 or may email goltra-b@mssu.edu.

Ummel Technology Building Open House

An Open House for the Ummel Technology Building Biological Sciences Renovation will take place from 3 - 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Those on hand can tour the new Anatomy, Physiology and Cadaver Labs.

Biological Sciences faculty members will be present. Students will share their feelings about ways that the new laboratories will enhance their education.

No RSVP is required. For additional information, call 625.9396.

Senior Assessment Day Wednesday, Feb. 22

Senior Assessment Day will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22. All day classes will be dismissed; however, night classes will meet. The evening test session for assessment is Thursday, March 1 at 5:15 p.m. for seniors who are enrolled exclusively in night classes or whose circumstances prevent participation on Feb. 22. Reservations must be made for the general education test at 625.9349.

All graduating seniors with 90 or more hours who plan to graduate in May, July or December, 2012 are required to complete the test of general education and a departmental exit assessment test before the baccalaureate degree is awarded. Seniors who transferred in from other institutions and distance-learning students are also required to take the assessment test.

Major Field Tests will also be given on Feb. 22 (although some departments choose to conduct their tests later). It is the student’s responsibility to check the announcement for when and where their major field test will be given.

The Senior Assessment announcement will be listed in LioNet, Blackboard, Twitter, Facebook and student email.

Starting Feb. 1, please contact Center for Assessment & Institutional Research at ext. 9349 to schedule the senior assessment test time and location.

Alumni Association Working on 75th Anniversary Edition

The MSSU Alumni Association is currently working on producing a 75th Anniversary Edition- Alumni Today Publication.

As the Alumni Association plans events, activities and exhibits and starts to collect histories of faculty, staff and alumni, your input is needed to make the 75th anniversary of Missouri Southern State University as rich and diverse as possible.

Did you marry your college sweetheart? Where did you hang out? What years did you attend Joplin Junior College, Missouri Southern State College, or Missouri Southern State University? Share these and other fond memories of your experiences that may be used in print publications and on our website.

Tell us about relationships with your fellow students or professors that changed your life; stories about clubs and Greek life; or how your MSSU experience stayed with you in your career or personal life. Please submit your memories, either written or photographic, and contact information and help us begin to celebrate 75 years of learning, service, growth and lots of fun!

For more information, contact 659.LION (5466) or email alumniassoc@mssu.edu. Also watch your email and mail for information regarding this special project.

Saltzman Fund

Art Saltzman, a longtime member of the English-Philosophy faculty and prolific published writer, passed away suddenly in 2008.

The Saltzman Memorial Fund was established after his death to honor Art’s memory and recognize literary contributions appropriate to Art’s work. All contributions to the ongoing Saltzman Memorial Fund will be designated to the Spiva Library to purchase books that recognize literary accomplishments in a variety of areas. A book plate will be placed inside of each book purchased.

“Each year the library purchases the winning publications for various literary awards that were meaningful to Art,” says Wendy McGrane, Library.

“The annual cost to purchase these award-winning titles is approximately $800,” she states." "I encourage everyone to consider donating to the Fund so that we may continue to honor Art’s memory," she adds.

Contributions to the Saltzman Memorial Fund may be sent to the Foundation or Spiva Library. Make checks payable to the Missouri Southern Foundation and send to 3950 E. Newman Rd ∙ Joplin, MO 64801.

Please specify that your contribution is for the Saltzman Memorial Fund.

Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville

Southern Theatre is proud to present Chicago, A Musical Vaudeville at 7:30 p.m. March 7–10 in Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.

Ann Lile, Theatre, directs this Tony Award winning show that has enthralled audiences around the world.

In roaring twenties Chicago, Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hopeless husband to take the blame, until he discovers that he's been duped and quickly turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie meets several other "Merry Murderesses" including Velma Kelly, whom she vies for the spotlight and the attention of the press.

These two scintillating sinners ultimately join forces in search of the "American Dream" of fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by the legendary Bob Fosse.

A total of 20 cast-members will bring the characters' personalities to life.

Admission is $2 for students, $3 for faculty and staff, $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and non-MSSU students.

For theatre production information, contact Southern Theatre at 625.9393.

For accommodations related to a disability contact Terri Spencer, Theatre, at 625.9393 at least 72 hours before the program.

Newsmakers Covers Cardinal Caravan Visit

The upcoming edition of the Newsmakers interview program goes outside the studio, to on-location coverage of recent events in Joplin featuring the St. Louis Cardinals.

The program includes a look at the World Series trophy in Joplin and the Cardinals Caravan visit. The trophy came to Joplin on Feb. 2, as part of a regional tour. The caravan visited MSSU in January, featuring players and team representatives.

“Cardinals fans should enjoy this opportunity to hear about the history with the trophy and to hear in-depth interviews with players and team representatives,” says Judy Stiles, the host of Newsmakers.

The program may also be seen on KOAM-TV at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18

Chamber Chat to Air on KGCS-TV

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network is the focus of the new Chamber Chat program airing on KGCS-TV. Host Kirstie Smith visits with Garen McMillian and Amanda Bilke about the organization and its role in the community.

Chamber Chat is produced by the Chamber of Commerce and aired on KGCS-TV. Programming may be seen over the air on digital channel 22 and on regional cable television stations such as Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.

KGCS-TV operates as a service of the MSSU Department of Communication, offering students hands-on opportunities in television production work.

Lions vs. Pitt State Games Replaying

If you missed Wednesday night's exciting double-overtime win for the men's basketball team against Pittsburg State, you can catch the game on KGCS-TV Sunday night.

The game will be shown as part of the regular Southern Sports basketball double-header coverage. Both the women's and men's games will be featured, starting at 7 p.m. KGCS students cover the games, performing all the work from announcing to camera work and directing.

KGCS programming may be seen over the air on digital channel 22 and on regional cable television stations such as Cable One, Mediacom and Suddenlink.

Classified

At the Bookstore:

Get these sweatpants or thermal hood for $14.99 through Feb. 17 at the Bookstore, while supply lasts.